Insulated lunch box

ABSTRACT

A food storage container is disclosed. The food storage container has a one or more water tight compartments. The food storage container can have an insulated component that can maintain food at substantially constant temperature over a relatively long period of time. The insulated component can be secured to the food storage container with a securing insert that prevents the insulated component from moving or rotating when in use. The insulated component can be removed. The insulated component can have a lid with an opening lever feature that makes it easy for users to open the lid. The food storage container can have a removable divider that can be used to create a plurality of smaller compartments. The food storage container can have a latch and hinge assembly to close the lid and tray. The food storage container can have an integral handle to provide a carrying solution.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/609,392, filed Jan. 29, 2015, entitled INSULATED FOOD STORAGECONTAINER, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,414,701, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/933,186, filed Jan. 29, 2014,entitled INSULATED LUNCH BOX, the entire disclosure of each of whichapplications is herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a food storage container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As nutritional awareness increases, so too does the desire for consumersto prepare and eat their own food outside of their dwelling. Suchhome-prepared food can include hot, cold, and/or room temperature items,as well as food items that are preferably kept separate from oneanother, e.g., liquids and solids. Certain prior art food storagesystems allow for mixing of food items in a single container, whileother prior art food storage systems are not configured to maintain thetemperature of items that are preferably kept hot and/or cold.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a food storage container with separate interiorcompartments, an insulated component for the storage of hot or coldfood, and an integral lid. The container versatile and durably allowsfor the storage of a variety of hot and cold food products and vessels,as well as utensils, making it suitable for a wide range of portablemeal activates and locations.

The food storage container can be a durable, reusable food container fortransport and storage of meals. The food storage container can beconstructed of hard materials, for example, plastic, to protect foodfrom becoming damaged during transport. The food storage container canbe self-contained. The food storage container can transport food andserve as a food serving surface.

The food storage container can prevent the comingling of food by havingextruded, internal compartments with walls that are flush with theperimeter of the food storage container. The compartments can be watertight by having the dividing walls seal against the box lid bycompressing a soft material, for example, TPU, TPE or silicon, betweenthe tray and the box lid. The box lid can have a feature made of a softmaterial, for example, TPE, which can hold utensils.

The food storage container can have a removable divider that can be usedto divide the compartments into a plurality of compartments.

The food storage container can have an insulated component thatmaintains food at a substantially constant temperature over a relativelylong period of time.

The insulated component can have a threaded lid with an opening lever.The opening lever can provide leverage when opening the threaded lid,thereby beneficial to people who lack hand strength due to age ordisability, or children who have small hands.

A securing insert can secure the insulated component in the food storagecontainer. The securing insert can prevent the insulated component frommoving side to side when the food storage container is in use. Thesecuring insert can also prevent the insulated component from rotatingin a circular motion or coming out of the bottom tray when the user isattaching or removing the lid.

The food storage container can have an extruded shape on the box lid, inone example the shape can be mesa-shaped, e.g., a flat top with steepsides or frustoconical, to accommodate for the excessive height of theassembled insulated component with lid that juts out above the height ofthe bottom tray. The extrusion can have decorative features, forexample, graphic, logos, or monograms.

The insulated component can be removed when hot or cold food is notdesired. Once removed, the evacuated space can be used to store roomtemperature foods, for example, a sandwich.

The food storage container can have a latch and hinge assembly to closethe lid and tray. The compression force can create a water tight sealbetween the upper box lid and the bottom tray of the food storagecontainer.

The food storage container can have an integral handle to provide acarrying solution.

In an illustrative embodiment, a food storage system comprises a foodstorage container defining a plurality of compartments. A securinginsert is configured to be received within a first compartment of theplurality of compartments, and an insulated component is configured toengage with the securing insert such that the insulated component issecured within the first compartment of the plurality of compartments.The container can further include an insulated component lid thatengages with the insulated component to form a water-tight seal, and thelid can define an upwardly extruded shape to accommodate the insulatedcomponent lid. The container can further include a tray that defines theplurality of compartments. The tray and the lid can form a water-tightseal between the plurality of compartments and with respect to anexterior of the food storage container when the food storage containeris configured in a closed position. Illustratively, the lid can define aplurality of lid compartments corresponding to the plurality ofcompartments, and the first lid compartment can includes a utensilholder. The system can also include at least one icepack configured tobe received by at least one of the plurality of lid compartments.Additionally, the insulated component lid can comprise an opening leverconfigured to rotate 90 degrees. Illustratively, the securing insert caninclude a plurality of inner threads that engage with the insulatedcomponent and a plurality of outer threads that engage with theinsulated component lid; and the insert can define a shape thatcorresponds to a shape of the first compartment. The container can alsoinclude a removable divider that divides at least one of the pluralityof compartments into a plurality of sub-compartments. Alsoillustratively, the insulated component can comprise an inner wall andan outer wall, with an insulating material disposed therebetween. Theinsulating material can comprise at least one of: air, STYROFOAM®(expanded polystyrene), and a plastic honeycomb, and a vacuum.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention description below refers to the accompanying drawings, ofwhich:

FIG. 1 is an open configuration of the food storage container;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the insulated component of the foodstorage container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the opening lever of the insulatedcomponent of FIG. 2 in upright position;

FIG. 4 is an open configuration of the food storage container of FIG. 1showing compartments without (free-of) the insulated component therein;

FIGS. 5, 5A and 5B, respectively, show an aerial view, a side view, anda cross sectional view of the food storage container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the food storage container of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7 and 7A, respectively, show an exterior view and a side profileof the food storage container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a view of a utensil receptacle for the food storage containerof FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an alternate embodiment of an insulated component assembly;

FIG. 9A is a top perspective view of the securing insert for theinsulated component assembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 10 is a view of the sealing gasket on the lid of the food storagecontainer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the food storage container in an openconfiguration showing an ice mounted in the lid thereof in an associatedcompartment; and

FIG. 11A is a top and bottom perspective view of the ice pack of FIG.11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a food storage container 1 in an openedconfiguration. The food storage container is configured to store anykind of food or drink product. The food storage container 1 can have afirst housing and a second housing. The first housing can be a door, lidor bottom tray 10. The second housing can be a door, tray or upper boxlid 30, for example, able to cover the bottom tray 10. The first and/orsecond housings can be made from durable materials, for example, hardplastic.

The bottom tray 10 can have one or more dividing walls 12. The dividingwalls 12 can divide the bottom tray 10 into a plurality of compartments14, 16, 18. Although three compartments are depicted, it is expresslycontemplated that bottom tray can be divided into any number ofcompartments, such as two or more. Each of the compartments 14, 16, 18can have a depth for receiving food of various size and shape. Thedividing walls 12 of the bottom tray 10 can be formed by the downwardextrusion of compartments 14, 16, 18 so a top surface of the dividingwalls 12 can be flush with the top surface of the perimeter of the tray.This configuration can prevent migration of food product amongcompartments 14, 16, and 18 while the container 1 is in the closedconfiguration.

The box lid 30 can have one or more dividing walls 31. The dividingwalls 31 can divide the box lid 30 into a plurality of lid compartments32, 34, 36 or compartments. The lid compartments 32, 34, 36 can belocated in corresponding opposition to the downwardly extrudedcompartments 14, 16, 18 respectively, of the bottom tray 10. Forexample, lid compartment 32 can correspond to compartment 18, lidcompartment 34 can correspond to compartment 14, and lid compartment 36can correspond to compartment 16. In one example, the lid compartment 36can have a cover (not shown) that allows it to store utensils. The coverwould prevent the utensils from touching foods stored in compartment 16.

In one example, an insulated component 26 is a double wall structure ofgenerally cylindrical construction having an inner wall and outer wall.An airtight chamber is defined in the area between the walls. Theairtight chamber can be filled with insulating material, for example,air, STYROFOAM® (expanded polystyrene), a plastic honeycomb orcombinations thereof. The airtight chamber can also be evacuated of air,thereby creating a vacuum in a manner well known in the art.

An insulated component lid 22 can be made from durable materials, forexample, a metal such as steel, or a hard plastic. The volume betweenthe inner surface and outer surface of the lid can be filled withinsulating material, for example, STYROFOAM® (expanded polystyrene),plastic, air, a vacuum, or a combination thereof. The insulatedcomponent lid 22 can have a threaded rim that screws into acorresponding threaded inner rim of the insulated component 26 to createa water tight seal with elastomeric sealing gasket 21.

An opening lever 24 can be affixed to the insulated component lid 22through two axle pins (not shown) which allow the opening lever 24 torotate 90 degrees relative to the position of the lever 24 shown inFIG. 1. The opening lever 24 can provide leverage when opening theinsulated component lid 22, which is beneficial for disabled or elderlyadults who lack hand strength, or for children who have small hands.

The insulated component 26 can engage with a securing insert 20. In oneexample, the securing insert 20 can be sized and/or shaped so as tocorrespond to a size and/or shape of at least one of the compartments14, 16, or 18 of the container 1. In this example, the securing insert20 is generally square-shaped so as to correspond to a square-shapedcompartment 18. The corresponding shape of insert 20 and compartment 18allows the securing insert 20 to hold the insulated component 26securely within compartment 18. The securing insert 20 also prevents theinsulated component 26 from rotating in a circular motion when the useris screwing or unscrewing the threaded lid 22. The securing insert 20also prevents the insulated component 26 from falling out when the foodstorage container is in use by virtue of a tight fit between thesecuring insert and the internals walls of the compartment 18.

A removable divider 28 can divide at least one of the compartments 14,16, or 18 into a plurality of smaller sub-compartments. In this example,the divider 28 is provided in compartment 16, thereby dividing thecompartment 16 into two smaller sub-compartments. In one example, theremovable divider can have a notch (not shown) that can be used to storeutensils.

A unitary or integral latch assembly 38 can lock the food storagecontainer in the closed configuration. The latch assembly can havefeatures that create an interference fit between the latch assembly 38and a latch hook 381. This interference fit can create the compressionforce needed to create the water-tight seal between the upper box lid 30and the bottom tray 10. The latch assembly 38 can have decorativefeatures, for example, a sticker, laser etching, or embossing. Whilelatch assembly 38 is depicted, other methods or configurations capableof securing a water-tight fit between lid 30 and tray 10 arecontemplated. For example, any number of tab or clamp assemblies, orengagement features, can be employed. In other examples, the latchassembly can be positioned at any other position on the food storagecontainer to ensure a water tight seal.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the insulated component 26, securinginsert 20, and insulated component lid 22. In one example, the insulatedcomponent 26 can have negative (recessed) locking features 261 near thedownward sloping section of the upper rim. The securing insert 20 canhave positive (projecting) locking features 262 that engage with thenegative locking features 261 in the insulated component 26. Theengagement of the negative locking feature 261 and the positive lockingfeature 262 interengage, and thereby prevent the insulated component 26from rotating in a circular motion when the user is screwing on or offthe threaded lid 22 from the insulated component 26.

In another example, the securing insert 20 can be permanently,semi-permanently, or temporarily bonded to insulated component 26, forexample, with an adhesive, welding and/or a snap mechanism.

In yet another example, the insulated component 26 can have positivelocking feature at its base. The compartment 18 can have negativelocking features that engage with the positive locking features at thebase of the insulated component 26. This can allow the insulatedcomponent to be secured directly to the container 1 within compartment18 without (free-of) the need for an intermediate securing insert 20.

In yet another example, the securing insert 20 can be a structure havingfour walls and a base, all adjoined at the edges to form a cube. Thecube shaped securing insert can have positive locking features thatengage with negative locking features along the base and walls ofcompartment 18, thereby preventing the insulated component 26 fromrotating when the user is screwing on or off the threaded lid.

In yet another example, the diameter of the insulated component 26 isequal to the width of compartment 18. The insulated component 26 canhave positive locking features that engage with directly with thenegative locking features along the walls of compartment 18.

The edges of the securing insert 20 can be flush with the walls formingcompartment 18, and the securing insert 20 can be friction fit intocompartment 18. This example is shown in greater detail below withrespect to FIG. 9.

In another example, the securing insert 20 can have an elastomericsealing gasket, either as a separate part or cold molded directly ontothe securing insert along the edges. The elastomeric sealing gasket canbe compressed between the securing insert 20 and compartment 18 tocreate a tight fit. The gasket can be constructed from a variety ofpliable materials that should be clear to those of skill.

In yet another example, compartment 18 has positive locking features inits walls that engage with negative locking features in the securinginsert 26. The engagement of the positive and negative locking featuresholds the securing insert 26 securely in compartment 18.

The insulated component lid 22 has an elastomeric sealing gasket 21which can render the insulated component 26 water tight. The gasket canbe formed from a variety of pliable materials that should be clear tothose of skill.

FIG. 3 shows the opening lever 24 rotated to a 90-degree angle toprovide leverage when opening insulated component lid 22. Threaded lidscan be difficult to open for people with weak hand strength, forexample, elderly people, disabled/physically challenged people, orchildren. The opening lever 24 can provide leverage when opening thethreaded insulated component lid 22. Users can flip the opening lever 24to an approximately 90-degree angle and push the opening lever in aclockwise motion with their fingers rather than grasping and rotatingthe circular lid with their hands. Note that the extension to a90-degree (or right) angle is exemplary of a range of projection anglesbased on functionality and appearance.

The opening lever 24 is attached to the insulated component lid 22through two axle pins (not shown). When the opening lever 24 is not inuse, it can fold down into the recessed section of the insulatedcomponent lid 22. Once folded down, the opening lever is flush with theinsulated component lid 22 to define a clean surface profile that avoidssnagging on external objects. As depicted, the opening lever 24 has asubstantially C-shaped profile. In other examples, the opening lever canhave any shape, such as L-shaped, U-shaped, etc.

In one example, the opening lever 24 can have a visual or sensoryindicator, for example, a red arrow or raised dots, which indicates tothe user which direction to turn the handle in order to open the lid.

In another example, the opening lever 24 can include/define a unitary orintegral interference mechanism that ensures users fold it down in thecorrect direction.

FIG. 4 shows the food storage container 1 when the insulated component26 and the securing insert 20 is removed. Compartment 18 can be used tostore room temperature foods, for example, sandwiches. The insulatedcomponent 26 can be used with the food storage container, or on its own.In one example, ice packs made of a hard material, for example, plastic,can be pressure fit into each of the lid compartments 32, 34, 36. Thisexample is shown in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 11.

FIG. 5 provides an aerial view of food storage container 1 in openposition. A hinge assembly 40 can be integrally formed by the meeting ofthe edges of the top box lid 30 and the bottom tray 10. The hingeassembly 40 can allow the upper box lid 30 to rotate open and staysecured to the bottom tray 10.

FIG. 5A depicts a side profile of the food storage container 1 in openposition with the insulated component 26 locked into compartment 18using the securing insert 20. The securing insert 20 and the insulatedcomponent lid 22 jut out above the edge of the bottom tray 10. Anupwardly extruded shape 303 in the upper box lid 30 is in correspondingopposition to the securing insert 20 and the insulated component lid 22.The upwardly extruded shape 303 can be any type of shape to accommodatethe lid 22. For example, the shape 303 can be in the form of a mesa,e.g., a flat topped surface having steep walls or frustoconical. Inother examples, the shape 303 can have any type of shape correspondingto a shape of the lid 22 The upwardly extruded shape 303 providesadditional height in the upper box lid 30 to accommodate the excessiveheight of the securing insert 20 and the insulated component lid 22.

In another example, the walls of the bottom tray 10 can be flush withthe insulated component lid 22.

FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view of the food storage container 1. Theinsulated component 26 sits in compartment 18 and is held in place bythe securing insert 20 which prevents the insulated component 26 frommoving or rotating when the food storage container is in use. The edgesof securing insert 20 are flush with the walls of compartment 18. Thethreaded inner rim of the securing insert 20 engages with the threadedrim of the insulated component lid 22. The opening lever 24 is foldeddown and sits flush with insulated component lid 22.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the food storage container assembly. Theupwardly extruded shape 303 is in corresponding opposition to the fullyassembled insulated component 26. The upward extruded shape 303 can havedecorative features, for example, a logo, graphic or monogram. Thesedecorative features can be (e.g.) screen-printed, applied (e.g. a decal)or molded into the material. Box lid 30 can be bonded to inner lid 301with, for example, adhesive or sonic welding. The top surface of thedividing walls 12 of the bottom tray 10 can seal against the box lid 30by compressing a gasket made of a soft material, for example, siliconeTPE (thermoplastic elastomer) or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane),between an inner bottom tray 101 and the inner box lid 301. The gasket302 can create a water tight seal around the outer perimeter of the foodstorage container 1, as well as between the compartments 14, 16, 18.

The securing insert 20 has positive locking features 262 that engageswith negative locking features 261 on the insulated component 26 to keepthe insulated component from rotating when the user screws on or off thethreaded insulated component lid 22.

The removable divider 28 can be constructed of a hard and/or semi-rigidmaterial, for example, plastic (e.g. acrylic, polycarbonate, ABS, PVC,PET, polypropylene or polystyrene). The removable divider 28 can alsohave soft material, for example, TPU or silicone, over molded to the twoside edges in order to make the barrier water tight. The removabledivider 28 can be used when additional compartments are desired. Theremovable divider 28 provides an effective separating barrier betweenfoods, thus preventing foods from comingling.

The inner tray 101 and be bonded to the bottom tray 10 with, forexample, adhesive, interengaging locking structures and/or sonicwelding. This advantageously creates a voluminous space between the tray101 and tray 10 to allow additional insulation for the contents of thecompartments.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the food storage container 1 in closed position.The upwardly extruded shape 303 accommodates the excessive height of thefully assembled insulated compartment 26 with the securing insert 20 andinsulated component lid 22.

FIG. 7A is a side profile of the food storage container 1 in closedposition. A handle 42 is integrated to the hinge assembly 40. The handle42 can be in line with the hinge assembly 40 and can rotateapproximately 90 degrees. The handle 42 can provide a carrying solutionfor the food storage container. Although depicted at a surface opposedto the latch assembly 38, any type of handle can be employed to allowfor easy transport of the food storage container. In one example, astrap or latch can be employed, allowing a user to wear the container inthe manner of a satchel. Other exterior components can be employed tocreate easy transport, such as wheels to allow for rolling.

FIG. 8 is a view of a container having a utensil receptacle 52. In thisexample, the utensil receptacle 52 can be formed in lid compartment 36.This receptacle can be made of soft material, for example silicon orTPE, and is affixed to the lid 30. The receptacle 52 can be any shape,and in one example can have an overall semispherical shape that definesa groove formed therein to retain a utensil. The groove can be any shapeto accommodate a utensil, and in this example can define a substantiallycircular or elliptical cross section in with respect to a longitudinaldirection of the groove. The receptacle can be positioned in any of thelid compartments (including the lid compartment that defines theextruded shape 303).

FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of an insulated component 27, walledsecuring insert 62 and the insulated component lid 22. The walledsecuring insert 62 has inner threads 64 and outer threads 66 as seen inFIG. 9A. The outer threads 66 engage with the inner threads of theinsulated component 27 to create a tight lock. The inner thread 64engages with the insulated component lid 22 to create a water tight sealwith elastomeric sealing gasket 21. The walled securing insert 62 can bepress fit into compartment 18 in the bottom tray. In this regard, thewalls can extend vertically within the compartment of the container 1and be substantially flush therewith, allowing for the insert 62 to besecured within the compartment. Note that while a threaded closure isused, another acceptable closure arrangement (e.g. various snap fits) ora modified thread arrangement—e.g. interrupted threads or a bayonet-typelocking system can be employed as appropriate.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a box lid 70 and a gasket 304. The gasket304 can be made of any material, such as a soft, flexible material(e.g., silicone, TPE, TPU). A slot 72 can be defined by one or morewalls that run along the perimeter of the box lid 70 and incorrespondence with the dividing wall 12. The slot 72 can be shaped toreceive the gasket 304 on the box lid 70. The gasket 304 can be shapedto fit compartments 14, 16, 18, making each of these compartments watertight as well as rendering the perimeter of the food storage container 1water tight.

In operation, when the lid 70 and gasket 304 are assembled and the userwishes to close the food storage container 1, the lid 70 can be broughtinto contact with the tray 10. In this regard, raised portions 306 cancome into contact with an upper surface of dividing wall 12. The raisedportion 306 can have any shape, and in one example can have asubstantially U-shaped cross section. Upon application of force to closethe lid with the tray and by virtue of the force exerted by the latchassembly 38 and the force of the hinge assembly 40, force is exerted onthe U-shaped raised portions. Such force causes the U-shaped portion toelastically deform, e.g., a reduction of thickness and an increase inlength, to accommodate the force. This deformation provides awater-tight seal between compartments in the food storage container aswell as a water-tight seal with respect to an exterior of the foodstorage container.

FIG. 11 is a view of the ice pack 80 shown installed in the lid of thecontainer. The ice pack 80 (also shown in top and bottom perspectiveviews in FIG. 11A) can be in any corresponding shape to be housed in lidcompartments 32, 34, 36. The ice pack can fit lid compartments 32, 34,36 through the use of a suction mechanism 82. A release button 84 on thefront face of the ice pack 80 can release the suction hold, therebyreleasing the ice pack 80 from the lid compartments 32, 34, 36. Althoughdepicted as being housed within lid compartments 32, 34, 36, the icepack 80 can also be in any corresponding shape that fits compartments14, 16, 18. Although depicted as adhering to the lid compartment 32, 34,36 using a suction mechanism 11, any type of mechanism can be employedto allow for a secure fit. In one example, the ice pack 80 can bepressure fit into lid compartments 32, 34, 36.

The icepack can comprise a plastic exterior housing that can be at leastpartially filled with one or more of water, refrigerant gel, or anyother type of liquid. In one example, the contents inside the icepackare non-toxic such that, if the icepack leaks during storage, thecontents of the food storage container are not contaminated. Inoperation, the icepack can be placed inside a cold environment (e.g.,freezing or below) and can be subsequently placed inside the foodstorage container at the time of assembly. In another example, theentire food storage container and ice pack assembly can be placed in thecold environment to bring the icepack to the appropriate coldtemperature.

The advantages of the present disclosure include, without limitation,the ability to store foods at various temperatures in the same foodstorage container so that the user can have, for example, a hot mainentrée and room temperature side dishes such as vegetables or fruit.Modular features such as the removable divider and the insulatedcomponent allow flexibility so that the food storage container canaccommodate any combination of food item that users wish to pack. Theopening lever makes the insulated component lid easy to open, especiallyhandicapped, elderly, or young children who lack the hand strength totwist off a circular threaded lid. The food storage container and itscompartments are water tight, preventing spills and leaks that can beunpleasant for users. The food storage container has an integral hinge,latch and handle so that it can be transported easily.

Broadly stated, the present disclosure is a food storage container withan insulated component to maintain foods at substantially constanttemperature over a relatively long period of time. Moreover, it shouldbe clear that the illustrative system and its components/sub-componentscollectively and individually provide a superior modality for theorganization, storage, transport and presentation of a meal to a user ata variety of locations, and under a range of conditions. The system'sunique design and arrangement also allows for relatively trouble-freeuse by small children, the elderly and physically challenged.

The foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrativeembodiments of the invention. Various modifications and additions can bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.Features of each of the various embodiments described above may becombined with features of other described embodiments as appropriate inorder to provide a multiplicity of feature combinations in associatednew embodiments. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number ofseparate embodiments of the apparatus and method of the presentinvention, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of theapplication of the principles of the present invention. For example, asused herein, various directional and orientational terms (andgrammatical variations thereof) such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”,“down”, “bottom”, “top”, “side”, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”,“forward”, “rearward”, and the like, are used only as relativeconventions and not as absolute orientations with respect to a fixedcoordinate system, such as the acting direction of gravity. Likewise,while polymer is used to construct various items, such as vessels, analternate material, such as stainless steel, aluminum, glass, and thelike can be used for all or part of such items in alternate embodiments.Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only by way ofexample, and not to otherwise limit the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A food storage system, comprising: a food storagecontainer defining a plurality of compartments, the food storagecontainer comprising an upper lid and a lower lid configured to enclosean insulated component and comprising a retaining gasket disposed alonga perimeter of the food storage container and between the upper lid andlower lid; and an insulated component assembly, comprising: an insulatedcomponent defining a volume for storing a food, the insulated componentcomprising an inner wall and an outer wall with an insulating materialdisposed therebetween, the insulated component defining a firstengagement feature and a second engagement feature, a securing insertthat engages with the insulated component, the securing insertconfigured to be received by the food storage system, the securinginsert defining a third engagement feature that engage directly with thefirst engagement feature of the insulated component, and an insulatedcomponent lid defining a fourth engagement feature that removably engagedirectly with the second engagement feature of the insulated componentand allows access to the volume for storing the food in the insulatedcomponent.
 2. The food storage system of claim 1, wherein the firstengagement feature comprises negative locking features defined by theinsulated component.
 3. The food storage system of claim 2, wherein thethird engagement feature comprises positive locking features defined bythe securing insert.
 4. The food storage system of claim 1, wherein thesecond engagement feature comprises a first plurality of threads definedby the insulated component.
 5. The food storage system of claim 4,wherein the fourth engagement feature comprises a second plurality ofthreads defined by the insulated component lid.
 6. The food storagesystem of claim 1, wherein the insulated component lid comprises arotatable opening lever to facilitate engagement and disengagement ofthe insulated component to and from the insulated component lid.
 7. Thefood storage system of claim 6, wherein a rotatable open lever isconfigured to rotate 90 degrees.
 8. The food storage system of claim 1,wherein the insulating layer comprises at least one of air, expandedpolystyrene, a plastic honeycomb, or a vacuum.
 9. The food storagesystem of claim 1, wherein the retaining gasket creates a water-tightseal around the perimeter of the food storage container between theupper lid and the lower lid.
 10. The food storage system of claim 9,wherein the retaining gasket creates a water-tight seal between theplurality of compartments.
 11. The food storage system of claim 1,wherein the retaining gasket comprises silicone.
 12. The food storagesystem of claim 1, wherein the retaining gasket comprises thermoplasticelastomer.
 13. The food storage system of claim 1, wherein the retaininggasket comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.